Trensurb (Empresa de Trens Urbanos de Porto Alegre S.A.) is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. On March 4, 2025, the company commemorates four decades of providing urban transport services, ranging from its initial routes connecting Porto Alegre, Canoas, Esteio, and Sapucaia do Sul, to today’s extended network. This milestone coincides with operational changes during the Carnival period, which runs on March 3 and 4, 2025.
During Carnival, Trensurb will operate with some significant changes due to current maintenance work stemming from the damaging floods experienced in May 2024. On Monday, March 3, the service will only function between the stations Farrapos and Novo Hamburgo. Passengers can expect train intervals of approximately 15 to 20 minutes but will require bus transportation to navigate between the Mercado station and Farrapos. According to the company’s communications, these measures are temporary as the recovery of the railways continues to be prioritized for public safety and infrastructure integrity.
On the following day, Tuesday, March 4, trains will continue to run with special schedules, resembling Sunday and holiday operations, where trains are scheduled every 20 minutes throughout the day and increasing to longer intervals of 23 to 25 minutes during the nighttime hours. Buses will remain available for the Mercado to Farrapos segment, ensuring accessibility as the works progress.
Trensurb's service alterations serve as reminders of its role within urban mobility, particularly as it celebrates 40 years of operation. The company has successfully transported over 1.61 billion passengers and has covered 111.46 million kilometers throughout its history—this figure alone implies the trains have traveled the equivalent of over 2,780 times around the Earth. These statistics highlight the company’s significant contribution to reducing traffic congestion and promoting safe and swift transportation across the region.
Trensurb began operations on March 4, 1985. It was established following extensive studies initiated back in 1976, aimed at relieving traffic on the saturated BR-116 highway, and it has since emerged as a sustainable and efficient public transport solution. The company operates on responsibilities under public management, offering affordable fares at R$ 4.50, which is recognized as one of the lowest among metro systems across the country.
"A Trensurb, enquanto empresa pública e estatal, ao longo de quatro décadas, sempre ofereceu um serviço de transporte seguro, eficiente e acessível, promovendo a mobilidade e a integração das cidades da Região Metropolitana de Porto Alegre", said Nazur Garcia, the current director-president of Trensurb. His remarks underline the organization’s commitment to maintaining high satisfaction among its users, which remains high even amid challenges, such as the recent flooding. A recorded satisfaction rate of 85.1% from users speaks volumes about the value Trensurb brings to daily commuters.
Historically, Trensurb has undergone numerous expansions and transitions, allowing it to eventually provide service to multiple municipalities. Initially, the service began with 15 stations along 27 kilometers of track. Over the years, it has expanded to incorporate additional lines and services, including updated train units and sustainability initiatives like migrating to renewable energy sources.
The notable also reflects on its strategic plan to provide safe and accessible mobility even as the company faces repairs from past damages. The completion of these works is anticipated to facilitate seamless operations once more, restoring full connectivity between the stations. Moving forward, Trensurb plans to continue its growth and enhancement strategies to meet the demands for urban mobility effectively.
All these developments and alterations come together during this dual celebration: the festive spirit of Carnival and the retrospective of 40 years of service provided to the community. Trensurb stands as more than just a rail service but as a pillar of public transport within metropolitan Porto Alegre, contributing to the long-term vision of enhanced mobility, environmental responsibility, and public service.
From its early beginnings and through team dedication, Trensurb continues to build upon its legacy as it embarks on another year of operation, inviting passengers to partake not only in Carnival festivities but also to partake of its extensive transport network for their day-to-day activities.